Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday sought collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote sustainable crop residue management, strengthen horticulture through knowledge and technology exchange, and build a skilled workforce to support industrial growth in the state.During a meeting with a CII delegation, Mann stressed the need for climate-resilient and green technologies to benefit farmers, with a focus on the Malwa region, particularly Sangrur and Barnala. He also highlighted proposed skill and technology initiatives, including a Multi-Skill Training Institute in Ludhiana and a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar.“Punjab is committed to adopting sustainable and technology-driven solutions for crop residue management. There is a need for the government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that farmers get practical, affordable and effective solutions while the state moves firmly towards a cleaner and greener future,” he said.Mann assured CII of full support in facilitating the visit of the World Horticulture Centre to India during CII Agro Tech India 2026.He also asked CII to explore the feasibility of setting up a Centre of Excellence for Technical Textiles in Punjab, along with an ultra-modern laboratory in Jalandhar. He stressed the need for a dedicated skill centre for defence manufacturing industries to provide trained manpower and boost economic activity in the state.
